Russian messenger secure alternative to Western apps – FSB
Russia’s new messenger app MAX has emerged as a secure alternative to foreign platforms, strengthening the country’s digital sovereignty and helping to curb online fraud, the Federal Security Service (FSB) has said.
Launched in March 2025, the platform was developed as a multifunctional service to counter a surge in scams targeting Russian citizens. Alongside calls, video chats, and file sharing up to 4GB, MAX is linked with the state services portal and facilitates money transfers, all in one secure app.
FSB figures show fraud cases tied to MAX remain far lower than on foreign platforms, despite what the agency calls attempts to “discredit” it with claims of security flaws and fake reviews. Since its launch, 162 incidents have been recorded, compared with 1,496 on WhatsApp and 2,786 on Telegram in August alone. Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor last month restricted voice calls on both, citing their use in fraud schemes and their refusal to comply with national laws. The measure cut crimes linked to the two apps by 50%, contributing to an overall 38% drop in such offences.
Foreign messengers had long operated freely in Russia, gaining wide popularity, but also being used for Western intelligence gathering, fraud schemes, and recruitment for sabotage and terrorist acts, the FSB said. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, Kiev’s intelligence services have used apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp to pressure Russian citizens – particularly the elderly – into carrying out sabotage missions, often by posing as law enforcement officials.
Kiev’s agents exploited loopholes to create fake identities and spread disinformation, while also using SIM-boxes – devices running dozens of SIM cards – for scams and other crimes. In 2025 alone, more than 50,000 SIM cards registered to fake identities were seized. Incidents tied to MAX were also linked to people seeking “easy money” by selling SIM cards and accounts, ignoring warnings. Penalties range from heavy fines to prison terms of up to six years.
MAX is evolving into a “unified digital platform,” bringing communication and services into a single secure space. “Combating criminal activity and protecting users remain among its top priorities,” the FSB concluded.
